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No cooking, BBQs in Mundy while COs work to capture bear family

Barbecues, cooking and hot food will not be permitted in Mundy Park while conservation officers work to capture a bear sow and cubs that have been frequenting the park.
A mother bear and cub were spotted near a blueberry farm in Coquitlam. Conservation officers are currently trying to trap a bear and two cubs in Mundy Park.

Barbecues, cooking and hot food will not be permitted in Mundy Park while conservation officers work to capture a bear sow and cubs that have been frequenting the park.

A trap has been set near Spani Pool and officials said last week the animals could be good candidates for relocation provided they do not become habituated to human food sources.

Packaged or cold food is still permitted in Mundy but all waste must be disposed of in bear-proof garbage bins located throughout the park, the release added.

Bruins are a common presence in Mundy, according to the city, but a recent uptick in activity has prompted the temporary cooking restrictions. 

Certain parts of Mundy have been closed since last week while officials work to safely capture the animals. 

“Please respect these closures,” the BC Conservation Officers Service (BCCOS) said in a statement to The Tri-City News this week. “The family unit has received food rewards from unattended picnic baskets and backpacks.”

 

 

Bruins are a common presence in Mundy, according to the city, but a recent uptick in activity has prompted the temporary cooking restrictions. - File Photo

 

 

Kathleen Reinheimer, Coquitlam’s manager of parks and facilities, said the city is increasing its waste management efforts in the park to limit the presence of animal attractants. 

“[Environmental services] is stepping up their presence,” she said on Tuesday. “All their regular staff is in the park and talking to the public as they come in.”

BCCOS said it is working closely with the city of Coquitlam to deal with the Mundy bears and added that any sightings or conflicts should be reported as soon as possible to the Report All Poachers and Polluters line at 1-877-952-7277.

gmckenna@tricitynews.com

 

IF YOU SEE A BEAR

Always be Bear Smart. If you see a bear in any of Coquitlam’s neighbourhoods or parks, remember the following tips:

• Stop and remain calm. Often the wildlife is just passing through and will simply move on if it finds no food source.

• Do not scream or run.

• Make yourself look big.

• Talk in a low and calm voice while backing away slowly.

• Bring pets and children into the house.

• When inside, you may use an air horn or loud noise to scare away the animal and let it know it’s not welcome in your yard. 

-City of Coquitlam